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* This is big…
Climate Jobs Illinois issued the following statement regarding the proposed amendment on SB 2408:
“Our coalition has reviewed the proposed amendment and supports the current version of the bill. The legislation sets the strongest clean energy labor standards in the country, requiring project labor agreements on all utility-scale wind and solar projects and sets prevailing wages for non-residential projects. These provisions will raise the standard for other states seeking to enact new labor and employment policies for building and maintaining clean energy developments.
The bill will create thousands of new clean energy union jobs, expand union apprenticeships for Black and Latinx communities, increase energy efficiency for public schools and safeguard thousands of union workers at the state’s nuclear plants that currently generate the bulk of Illinois’ zero-emissions energy. These key components were our top priorities in any clean energy legislation enacted, so we are pleased with the result.
We applaud the hard work of everyone who has come to the table to debate these issues for months, and we’re committed to getting this bill signed and getting to work to build a cleaner, fairer future for all Illinoisans.”
*** UPDATE 1 *** Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition Statement…
“After more than three years of community collaboration, the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition is proud to support this legislation that meaningfully addresses our climate emergency, takes bold action on creating equitable jobs all across the state, and enacts tough utility accountability measures including the end of automatic formula rate hikes.
“Throughout recent negotiations, our diverse coalition’s values have been simple and clear: a climate bill must include a specific timeline for decarbonization as well as interim pollution reductions demanded by science and public health. And, it must create good-paying jobs and wealth for working families in Illinois’ Black and Brown communities, which are often the first to suffer negative consequences of pollution but the last to reap the health and economic benefits of a clean energy future.
“This agreed upon legislation accomplishes those goals. We would like to thank Governor Pritzker, legislative leaders, and stakeholders for their hard work and urge lawmakers to vote yes on this historic legislation.”
Despite the active involvement of Speaker Welch, I’m told there still may be some issues with the House roll call. Stay tuned.
…Adding… One of the roll call problems is with Lake County House Democrats. They want some property tax relief for Zion because the town is struggling since its nuclear power plant shut down. They also want some help cleaning up after a Waukegan coal plant shuts down next year. But I’m told that language is in the bill, so those folks should be fine.
…Adding… Lake County delegation is now on board…
Today, Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D – Northbrook), Rep. Daniel Didech (D – Buffalo Grove), Rep. Joyce Mason (D – Gurnee), Rep. Rita Mayfield (D – Waukegan), Rep. Bob Morgan (D – Deerfield), and Rep. Sam Yingling (D – Grayslake) released the following statement regarding the General Assembly’s efforts to pass historic clean energy legislation:
The Lake County House Delegation strongly supports SB 2408, sponsored by Leader Marcus Evans, which will make Illinois the nation’s leader in fighting climate change, expanding our renewable energy economy, saving and creating energy sector jobs, holding utilities accountable, and investing in historically disinvested communities like Waukegan and Zion. We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has spent so much time drafting and negotiating this compromise bill, especially Rep. Jay Hoffman, Rep. Marcus Evans, Rep. Robyn Gabel, Rep. Ann Williams, Rep. Kam Buckner, Rep. Larry Walsh, our colleagues in the Senate and the Governor’s office, and all the stakeholders who have helped craft a bill that will be in the best interests of the people of Illinois. We are especially pleased that this package includes provisions we requested that address some of the unique energy-related issues facing Lake County. This is an historic opportunity to create a truly inclusive, clean energy future for our state. The time to act is now, and we are eager to finalize and pass this bill today.
There are other issues, however. Stay tuned.
…Adding… Sierra Club statement is here. IEC statement is here. Rep. Ann Williams’ statement is here. Path to 100 statement is here. The Illinois Chamber’s statement in opposition is here.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Gov. Pritzker…
“I would like to thank Speaker Welch and Leader Evans for their collaborative leadership in reaching a compromise amendment that puts consumers and climate first, while protecting and creating jobs. I look forward to this amendment advancing in the House and Senate and making its way to my desk where I will sign this historic agreement into law.
…Adding… By my count, 7-10 House Dems are at this moment against the bill. Two HGOPs are considered to be for it. But, leadership and lobbyists are working it hard. Stay tuned.
…Adding… Subscribers already knew this…
CLEAN ENERGY: Big change under Senate Bill 2408 - Illinois could give Prairie State and Springfield's CWLP $20 million per year from 2026-2035 to help reduce carbon emissions. They'll have to reduce the emissions by 45% by 2035. Full closure by 2045. #twill
— Mike Miletich (@MikeMiletichTV) September 9, 2021
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 8:37 am
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How soon until labor flips on their equity promises?
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 8:46 am
Precinct Captain, it’s In the bill. Why don’t you take yes for an answer.
Comment by Southern Skeptic Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 8:50 am
Will they still find a way to delay the vote until 1 AM?
Comment by illinoyed Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 8:51 am
=== Despite the active involvement of Speaker Welch, I’m told there still may be some issues with the House roll call. Stay tuned. ===
That would be a tremendous failure by the Speaker to get the bill with agreed language across the finish line.
Comment by Hannibal Lecter Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 9:02 am
Keep in mind that Climate Jobs Illinois is not the AFL-CIO and does not include the big Metro East trades. It’s an umbrella group formed by the nuke plant locals.
Comment by Tammy Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 9:04 am
===tremendous failure===
Harmon and his special interests allies would win, if it’s a failure… and who exactly will be cheering such a failure would be an interesting lot, for sure.
It ain’t soup yet, for better or worse.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 9:05 am
===Harmon and his special interests allies would win, if it’s a failure===
No.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 9:11 am
===Climate Jobs Illinois is not the AFL-CIO===
Yes, it is https://climatejobsillinois.org/about/
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 9:12 am
- Southern Skeptic - Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 8:50 am:
LOL. For a skeptic, you sure seem agreeable to a leadership that is nearly all White as being the standard bearers for racial justice. There’s plenty in statute already they disregard and ignore, why would anyone trust them on this?
https://www.ilafl-cio.org/executive-board/
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 9:16 am
===why would anyone trust them on this? ===
I dunno, maybe because Marcus Evans also chairs the Labor committee?
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 9:20 am
Have we finally, actually, gotten to yes on this?
Looks like it.
Comment by Nick Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 9:29 am
Precinct captain- read the bill. The first 150 pages codify minority participation.
Comment by Happy Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 9:31 am
==There’s plenty in statute already they disregard and ignore, why would anyone trust them on this? ==
It’s not about trust, it’s in the bill. if it becomes law, and they ignore it, there are consequences.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 9:48 am
This bit from Climate Jobs Illinois is rich…
“These provisions will raise the standard for other states seeking to enact new labor and employment policies for building and maintaining clean energy developments”
4 out of 5 of our border states are RTW.So they would not have this tension between labor and climate.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 9:49 am
Train’s leaving the station
Comment by Ok Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 9:52 am
“Train” has been delayed by an hour… at least. Hearing pushed back to 11 am.
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 10:03 am
===“Train” has been delayed===
Welcome to the General Assembly.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 10:07 am
Harmon, it’s all up to you. Yes or no on the bill?
Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 10:09 am
Shouldn’t they call themselves the Lake County Democratic House Delegation?
Comment by LC Illini Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 10:18 am
Everybody gets something except consumers. They will pay dearly with higher energy bills and unreliable power. That has been the result in all other states that have tried the same thing.
Comment by Bowwow Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 10:20 am
Wonder if they can generate enough power to keep this Christmas tree lit.
Comment by Phenomynous Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 10:26 am
@ Bowwow - how will the power be unreliable? What other states have “tried the same thing” with negative results on reliability? Previous versions of the bill contain requirements for the utilities to develop more robust long-term plans to ensure reliability and the nukes keep running. Illinois is a net energy exporter already. Where are the reliability issues?
Comment by Oxfordian Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 10:38 am
- “Everybody gets something but consumers” -
By ‘consumers,’ are you referring to people who purchase gasoline for vehicles, heat their homes, cook food, travel to and fro work, use electricity, benefit from our publicly-funded, neglected infrastructure? Are you referring to consumers of air, water and food provided by Earth?
We’re all in this thing, life on this planet. We have to address Earth’s changing climate. Read the news? Following wild fires AND floods worldwide? This bill is probably a long way from perfect, but if it gets us on a path, is doable given all the interests involved, then good.
Comment by Ashland Adam Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 10:46 am
@Oxfordian - “Illinois is a net exporter already.”
Downstate MISO Illinois is importing 5224 MW currently.
Comment by JustThinking Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 10:54 am
to me, the term ‘consumer’ is synonymous with ‘eater,’ or ‘user.’ Perhaps that’s accurate. But does it shrivel how we identity as creatures to the lowest common denominator? Amoebas, single-cell organisms, all fauna are also ‘consumers’ of water, air and Earth.
What about referring to ourselves as….’resident,’ ‘citizen,’ ‘neighbor,’ or ‘community member’…
Comment by Ashland Adam Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 10:56 am
“Harmon and his special interests allies would win, if it’s a failure… and who exactly will be cheering such a failure would be an interesting lot, for sure.”
Willy, I love ya man but I don’t understand why you’ve been on this kick the whole time. “Harmon’s special interest allies” are the Democratic party allies who everyone has said all must agree for there to be a bill. I have never understood why you believe labor interests are special interests but enviro interests are not. These are all key constituencies within the Democratic party.
Harmon and the legislative working group including House members got this bill to the five yard line. Welch and the House punched it in and got it over the finish line. It’s a win for everyone, especially those who care about climate, clean energy jobs, and our future.
Comment by Southern Skeptic Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 10:56 am
===I love ya man===
lol, no you don’t.
It’ll be soup, or it won’t now. It’s hurry up and wait time.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 11:00 am
==Harmon and the legislative working group including House members got this bill to the five yard line. Welch and the House punched it in and got it over the finish line==
I would say more inches and goal. I have high hopes but until it passes the house and senate anything can happen.
Comment by sladay Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 11:01 am
@ JustThinking - when the Eastern Bloc gets its way, the State of Southern Illinois will be an energy importer and free to develop whatever energy policy they like under the laws of their great state. Residents probably will spend more time complaining about their massive tax increases and shortage of social services and road funds than they will about their energy prices. At this time however, the State of Illinois is a net energy exporter.
But I still do not understand how this bill will weaken energy reliability? The requirements for integrated distribution planning apply statewide - both to MISO and PJM.
Comment by Oxfordian Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 11:03 am
== By my count, 7-10 House Dems are at this moment against the bill.==
So it might not have the votes to make it effective before next Summer. Meaning there’s a whole other session next Spring where this could still be debated/amended.
Comment by fs Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 11:06 am
If it isnt effective until next spring, it doesn’t matter. The emissions free nuclear plants will close and the Solar funds will be refunded and jobs lost all over the place. This needs to pass now with 71.
Rich, who are the 7-10 against and WHY?
Comment by SouthSide Chirish Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 11:20 am
Amendment filed and on hearing calendar. Still no start to the hearing as yet. https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=SB&DocNum=2408&GAID=16&SessionID=110&LegID=135062
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 11:25 am
Hearing has started.
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 11:47 am
Dang…the $4,000 electric vehicle rebate wouldn’t go into effect until 7/1/22. C’mon on old car…hold together.
Comment by East DuPage Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 12:34 pm
@ East DuPage - get your order in this winter, EVs were in short supply this summer even without the incentives… and don’t order a motorcycle, apparently.
Comment by Oxfordian Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 12:40 pm
Is there anything in the bill to prevent Comed from spending ratepayer money fighting power lines to bring in wind power from out of state?
Comment by DuPage Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 12:44 pm
The Enviros signed off on the bill, including Jen Walling at IEC who is Kelly Cassidy’s roommate and whom Cassidy put forward as her replacement in the House if she moved to the Senate. The two are inseparable.
If Cassidy ends up killing the Bill, it’s gonna look like the Enviros sabotaged a bill they publicly agreed to, or at the very least could not get what should have been an easy Yes vote for them.
Either way, it seems the IEC’s reputation is on the line. If I were then, I’d be pretty frustrated right now.
Hoffman is just trying to get the best deal for his locals, but at the end of the day he will be with the AFL and his Leader I suspect.
Comment by Roger Dodger Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 1:34 pm
@ DuPage - the bill is here: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/102/SB/PDF/10200SB2408ham002.pdf
Comment by Oxfordian Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 1:38 pm
Roger Dodger- The IEC hasn’t worried too much about their reputation in the past. Why would they start now?
Comment by Franklin Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 2:01 pm
@- Oxfordian - Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 1:38 pm:
===@ DuPage - the bill is here: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/102/SB/PDF/10200SB2408ham002.pdf===
A long, long bill. It does say “the state should encourage”…”HVDC power to be brought in along highway right of ways as much as possible”.
One way could be along I88 to I355 north to the area of North Ave and Swift Road at the switching stations of the system operator. The cheaper power would help offset the subsidy to Comed nukes. Kind of a win-win.
Comment by DuPage Thursday, Sep 9, 21 @ 8:57 pm
Why don’ they just put all the workers at the two coal fired plants on a government pension and shut them both down. It would be cheaper and a whole lot cleaner. Could do the same for the Byron plant as well. I hate giving a government subsidy to Exelon stockholders!
Comment by woodguy Friday, Sep 10, 21 @ 12:11 pm